Hot Tub

**cycloneworld** · 03-31-2010, 08:50 PM

I've been thinking of getting a hot tub. I've read some stuff online but there is so much out there that its confusing as hell. Anyone have recommendations/suggestions/etc?

A few of my questions are:
1. There are SO many brands out there. Is there a big difference between the low price brands and high priced brands?
2. Should I buy new? There seems to be a pretty good discount by buying used but not sure that's the best route.
3. Any key features I should get?
4. Is there a "best" time to buy one? They are all over the state fair but I've heard there are much better deals out there.
5. Any recommendations?

**IcSyU** · 03-31-2010, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by cycloneworld

3. Any key features I should get?

DEFINITELY a time machine.

**coachdags** · 03-31-2010, 08:54 PM

I've had a Sundance Optima for about 13 years and still works Great....

Sundance Spas

**BooneCy** · 03-31-2010, 09:41 PM

Hot Springs Spa's are great.

**cyfan964** · 03-31-2010, 09:56 PM

I had a hot tub growing up and never used it. It ran great, just never really used it for some reason. I guess I just don't see the point. The only reason I ever got in it was to drink beer with girls. Wait a second..... maybe I should get a hot tub.

**terryk** · 03-31-2010, 10:10 PM

i have a Hot Springs for sale excellent condition, need to sell. PM me

**dtclones** · 03-31-2010, 10:21 PM

Make sure you are actually going to use it enough to make it worth the trouble. My roommate and I have one and we maybe used it once or twice over the winter. In the meantime, it just used up energy and jacked up our utility bill. It pretty much syphoned money out of my pocket for no reason. They are cool to have as long as you make the most of it.

**BigBake** · 04-01-2010, 10:22 AM

I know from advice that Hot Springs are the best.

We're looking at getting one this year so I hope some peeps answer your other questions cause I'm curious too

**isuno1fan** · 04-01-2010, 10:27 AM

I used to own one that I got at Hot Springs. There was nothing wrong with it, but after a year or so it just didn't get used much and the maintenance on it became aggravating. Ended up selling it after owning it for 2 years.
I wouldn't get one myself, but you live and learn.

**brianhos** · 04-01-2010, 11:02 AM

How much do hot springs or sundances cost? We have been looking at getting one, but I wanted unbiased info on the actual costs and how much it costs a month to run it?

**waynemorgan** · 04-01-2010, 11:13 AM

Find a divorce deal on craigslist. Plenty of them out there and some real nice tubs.

**Clonepackof1** · 04-01-2010, 12:22 PM

As mentioned earlier, make sure you are going to be dedicated to using it because cost of ownership is not zero. We actually drain ours for the late spring and summer because we know we won't use it. And no matter what you get, just plan on spending a couple hundred bucks every couple of years for some amount of parts/labor. If it performs better than that, you are money ahead.

Having stated the above, I own a Sundance which is now 12 years old and runs fine. We've put about $500 in parts/labor into it and I'd guess we'll get another year or two out of it before getting a new one. I'd say we are are satisfied.

I also am very familiar with Hot Spring/Caldera (were a client in a former life) and they make great products, probably the most innovative out there.

No matter what you buy, make sure that it can be serviced LOCALLY. If you aren't comfortable with some fairly complex maintenance when something goes bad, the labor will kill you - IF you can find someone who knows your particular tub. Service should be a big consideration.

**BigBake** · 04-04-2010, 10:07 PM

Great advice so far. Thanks.

What's everyone's $.02 on the best time to buy? I'm thinking at the State Fair or at the winter home shows but I have nothing to base that on.

I agree with the Craigslist advice but I hesitate to buy something private/used that could be so troublesome mechanically.

**balken** · 04-04-2010, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by cycloneworld

I've been thinking of getting a hot tub. I've read some stuff online but there is so much out there that its confusing as hell. Anyone have recommendations/suggestions/etc?

2. Should I buy new? There seems to be a pretty good discount by buying used but not sure that's the best route.

I don't know, but buying a used hot tub strikes me as similar to buying used underwear. Sure, they have been washed and cleaned, but they have still been by someone's (possibly infected) junk.